City Sounds to reveal pianos at First Friday

Last year’s “Black Butterfly” piano was designed by local artist Jill Wells and displayed at Mainframe Studios. Photo: City Sounds.

This month’s First Friday program at Mainframe Studios includes the annual reveal of 10 painted public pianos from City Sounds DSM. From 5 to 8 p.m., visitors can enjoy live piano performances, vote for their favorite pianos and meet the artists who spiffed them up.

City Sounds is a nonprofit that Kathryn Dickel and Larry James founded in 2014 to temporarily install public pianos at several locations throughout Des Moines, all to promote music, art and community expression. Check this year’s piano locations after Friday’s event.

The First Friday event also celebrates Cinco de Mayo with food from Los Compadres Flaming Tacos and desserts by Pastelería Raquel.

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